Senator RHIANNON: There is growing interest in news that some food producers have been investigated and prosecuted for claims their products come from free-range animals. How many complaints, using free-range claims, have been lodged with the ACCC?

Greens call on all state govts to follow ACT farm animal protection law

The ACT historic law that bans battery cages for egg production and the use of sow stalls and gestation crates for pigs should be adopted by all state governments, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said today.

Senator RHIANNON: Dr Grimes, these questions were submitted on notice in November last year, but I have not received an answer so I will ask them again. With regard to the funding of projects that promote kangaroo meat to consumers, what responsibility does the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation have to ensure its funded projects do not present a health risk to consumers?

Following the disturbing ABC Lateline report on the slaughter of sheep in Jordan in contravention of Australian live export regulations Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has said strong regulatory action needs to be taken against the company.

Lee Rhiannon is the Australian Greens spokesperson on animal welfare, and the Greens are the only major party to have such a specific portfolio responsibility.

Before being elected to federal parliament Lee was a Greens MP in NSW Parliament for over a decade where she also held the animal welfare portfolio. Lee continues to campaign on animal welfare issues, ranging from banning live exports to protection of native species; more humane laws governing factory farming and protection of animal cruelty whistleblowers; protection of animal wellbeing in sports and entertainment; and empowering consumers to eat more ethically by ensuring proper anti-cruelty labelling. Lee is excited about the surge of interest from the community in animal welfare issues and believes that by working with the community we can help drive shifts in government policy to achieve better animal rights and welfare. She is a member of the Vegan Society NSW.